PKR reps want MB out

BY WANI MUTHIAH AND LOH FOON FONG

KLANG: The heat is on for Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim to step down with PKR elected representatives openly telling him to leave, making the Selangor Mentri Besar terribly upset amidst talks to settle the political imbroglio.

PKR’s Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and Selayang MP William Leong said the party could initiate disciplinary action against Khalid or expel him if he remained adamant.

“The party has decided that Khalid must go and there would not be any compromise. He has to respect the party’s decision,” Abdullah Sani, who on July 9 was slapped with a show-cause letter by the party for criticising Khalid, said.

Leong, who is PKR treasurer-general, said 28 members of the Selayang division committee unanimously agreed that Khalid should make way for PKR president and Kajang assemblyman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

“If he doesn’t resign, it’ll be a breach of discipline. The worst-case scenario is expulsion from the party,” he said yesterday.

Meanwhile, Khalid’s political secretary Azman Abidin said PKR leaders should stop making media statements until after the Aug 10 meeting of Pakatan leaders.

“Tan Sri is a sensitive man and hurting very badly at the moment.

“They must understand that the ball is now in his court and he can refuse to leave even if PAS agrees to back PKR and DAP at the Aug 10 meeting.”

Currently, PAS top leaders want Khalid to remain and this has created tension for the party and its Pakatan partners.

Azman said there were only two ways Khalid can cease being mentri besar – resign or have a vote of no confidence passed against him.

He added that Khalid should be given due respect and not be insulted.

“Tan Sri (Khalid) says he is being treated as if he means nothing to the party and has not contributed to its growth,” said Azman.